Ancient Mound Site "Osprey, Florida"
Aboriginal, American Mound off the Gulf of Mexico with moss draped oaks surrounding. Settler home, well constructed of aged, sturdy, indigenous yellow pine, sets atop.
Before leaving the area, we learned about another legacy site of First Nation People in “Osprey”, a small town located south of “Sarasota”. As a matter of fact, the 30-acre archaeological mound site, called “Historic Spanish Point,” is situated across from “Little Sarasota” Bay (a long narrow embayment that is parallel to “Florida’s” coastline). Also, the bay is separated from the Gulf of Mexico by two islands known as “Siesta Key” and “Casey Key”. Our Journeys of Appreciation have shown that, mound and village sites are usually established along coasts or near prominent waterways.
Reportedly, the area referred to as “Spanish Point” represents thousands of years of human existence and is the largest preserved archaeological site on the Gulf Coast. Besides the historic structures made by homesteaders, the following prominent creations demonstrate Indigenous legacy in the area:
Archaic Mound - Archaeological records show this as the oldest mound at this site.
Shell Ridge Mound – Some early maps show two separate sites (Shell Ridge Mound and “Chapel” Mound) that today have been referenced as one site. Later, after shell ridge mound was excavated, a museum structure was added inside a portion of it, and close up views of the mound wall is featured.
“Burial Mound” - Said to be one of the largest in southeastern America.
We were excited about the opportunity to experience this important mound site where First Nation People thrived and utilizing abundant resources of the land and waterways. Many artifacts recovered demonstrate ingenious methods of designing necessary supplies, tools and even jewelry by utilizing shells, bones, wood, stone, and whatever else was available. For instance, plant fibers were used to make ropes, nets, baskets, and clothing. Trees and plants provided food and medicine, and building materials for making shelters, canoes, spears, and other useful items. Furthermore—we found that our mindfulness of these ancestral contributions felt quite uplifting and very respectful.
Having invested lots of effort attempting to locate this place, we arrived when it was about to close. We made arrangements for an overnight stay in the area and traveled to “North Tamiaii Trail” the next day. On a beautiful sunny afternoon, we headed back to the entry gate prepared for a pleasurable walking adventure. Proceeding to the “Visitors Center”, we quickly browsed through displays related to the site. An informative trail map assisted us in planning a route based on specific locations of the three mounds. We read that in addition to the mounds, there was much beauty abounding in this natural environment, accessible via many trails meandering through forest areas adorned with a wide range of trees and vegetation. Sounds inviting and we’re ready to get started.
We walked past a lovely white gazebo on the trail; then at the intersection, we chose the road heading in the direction of the archaic mound. Along the way, there was a picturesque open lawn area with a tall white portal showcasing three species of palm trees: the Washingtonia Palm, Phoenix Reclinatas, and Queen Palms. Many plants and trees made up the background, adding charm to this forest-like setting.
White portal on green grass with a variety of palm trees and hardwood trees around it.
Continuing along the pathway, we enjoyed connecting with nature, noting long strands of moss draped on old oaks, palms, marlberry, white stoppers, and other trees and plants, including a few snake plants that are popular as indoor plants and have proven healthful benefits as air purifiers. Reportedly, snake plants do not produce allergens, instead they absorb toxins through their leaves and release pure oxygen. An interesting characteristic worthy of review…especially for anyone dealing with allergies.
Before long we spotted “Little Sarasota” Bay—though there’s nothing little about it. As a matter of fact, it looks pretty big with those wonderful views of shoreline vegetation and mangrove forests all around. Plus, we loved seeing several mangrove island habitats resting in the middle. It feels very peaceful standing where our ancestors traveled and made the decision to establish their homes and villages here. They evidently saw an abundant paradise worthy of forging ahead and creating a legacy of survival. We admire their strength and tenacity.
View of the vast Bay’s peaceful rippling water with varied mangrove trees and islands.
We realized that we had been walking on elevated ground as we continued along the trail. We enjoyed the tranquility of gentle breezes causing moss to dance on branches of old oaks and graceful palms, complemented by more trees and greenery framing a large white house with an inviting country porch. Some researchers say this is among the most important sites in “Florida” based on its age and research value. Apparently, the remarkable mound is all around us. We feel honored to be here on top of one of the oldest and largest ceremonial ring (or horseshoe-shaped) mounds in the southeast region. And although we would have liked to find the fresh water spring that survey reports mentioned was located between the open lobes of the mound ring, we were moved by the experience.
Other fascinating things noticed while canvassing this sacred mound structure:
Inside the restored house-museum (built, 1901), rustic floors were made from aged, yellow pine because of its hardness and durability. It was used for houses, furniture, and other building applications. Forests were abundant with four main varieties of yellow pine: loblolly, shortleaf, longleaf, and slash pines. It is said that yellow pine may have been one of the first exports from America.
The kitchen was separate from the main house for health and safety reasons associated with food preparation using firewood. The building was raised off the ground by strategically placed posts, enabling us to observe enormous amounts of mollusk shells and fragments in varying sizes. These shells were cascading from underneath the structure and on the surrounding grounds nearby. Also, when walking through the kitchen, we were familiar with the quaint furniture and furnishings on display, having previously visited old houses at different locations throughout “Florida”.
An expressive old tree had many ferns, air plants and cactus-like vines growing all over it. Curiously, some of the long green vines had hairy stems with bright orange-red bulbs with strings dangling from the end—which caused us to take notice of them right away. It was suggested that this plant had qualities like night lilies; and after researching several species of nocturnal plants we concluded that what we observed here most resembled the Night-Blooming Flamingo Cactus, Queen of the Night, and Princess of the Night. We were glad to find a connection to this captivating plant.
Queen of the Night: nocturnal species growing on mature oak amongst ferns and moss.
Additionally, we learned that night-blooming plants have snake-like stems with dark spines which can sometimes grow to more than 30 feet long, attaching themselves to tree trunks, walls, etc. These incredible vining plants may bloom all summer; however, the fragrant white flowers appear for just one night each year. Usually, they begin to slowly open around midnight and last until early to mid-morning, showcasing beautiful, white multi-petaled flowers with yellow stamens that offer breathtaking flashlight views in the darkness. You have to plan to catch these awesome events.
As our walk continued near the bay, we enjoyed the following experiences:
A scenic overlook and exhibit, called "A Window to the Bay,” offered panoramic views of the water featuring shoreline mangroves, varied trees and vegetation, and mangrove islands. The thatch roof gazebo appeared to be constructed using yellow pine wood and palm fronds. From this high vantage point, we easily observed the declining slope of the mound towards the bay.
Nearby display, entitled ‘Plants You Can Sink Your Teeth Into: Edible Plants Used by “Native Americans”, highlights area plants like seagrape, coontie, catbrier and prickly apple. Interestingly, it is said that the prickly apple is an extremely rare species of cactus found only in four “Florida counties” in coastal vegetation and hammocks with gumbo limbo, wild lime or live oak trees; it grows primarily on shell mounds created by First Nation People or at least on sites with shelly substrates; and it has tall cylindrical stems with spines, produces tube-shaped flowers and round dull yellow edible fruit. Further research shows that prickly apple plants have been identified in various spots around this site. We attempted to spot them amid the greenery near the overlook and will remain diligent in our quest as we move forward along the path.
Jungle Walk and Aqueduct offer a delightful walk through dense terrain on a path of white shells and features many large oaks, palms, bamboo, and various plants expressing Nature’s grace and abundance. We really like to learn about and connect with natural environments like this, especially where the legacy of First Nation People is prevalent. The nearby scenic aqueduct was interesting to observe and ponder how it works. Some dictionaries define an aqueduct as a conduit or artificial channel for conducting water from a distance, usually by means of gravity. This agrees with details gleaned from signage that basically said water travels from a tank raised above the mound and flows through the aqueduct, which is described as a long concrete trough decoratively embedded with shells. We must admit that the aqueduct does look attractive with varied shells, ferns, coontie, and other plants adorning the waterfall opening.
Fern Walk and Butterfly Garden are like a tranquil sanctuary, and if you love butterfly watching and listening to birds singing—this is the spot. The pamphlet states that the garden was designed to provide for the complete lifecycle of butterflies, showcasing larval and nectar plants for species like Monarchs and Zebra Longwing (which was respectfully named the “state” butterfly of “Florida”). The fern walk contains a variety of beautiful ferns, palms and lovely greenery, and according to the trail guide, it is located close to the aqueduct in a natural hollow created by the mound.
Also, we noted brown-colored water around the area which often indicates the presence of tannins in the soil caused by decaying organic matter. Many attractive plants were seen lavishly thriving there as well. They closely resemble the Egyptian papyrus plant, having a tall slender stalk with many leafy bracts at the top that arch gracefully from the center just like an umbrella…quite captivating.
Approaching the footbridge leading to the other mound locations, we delighted at seeing more panoramic views of the bay. This time, we were walking directly above the water. It’s an incredible experience. Reportedly, all three types of mangrove (red, white and black) inhabit this area; and based on signage, ‘buttonwood’ is also found here. It is considered by many as “Florida’s” fourth mangrove. Buttonwood is a large shrub or small tree identified by its pointed leaf and salt secreting glands at the base of the leaf, with rough craggy bark that hosts epiphytes, and as they age may resemble beautiful wind-sculpted oak trees. Reportedly, its flower clusters are very fragrant (similar to grape soda) and fruits look like leather buttons. Now we are ready to identify and smell these mangroves.
Exiting the footbridge, we climbed the noticeably uphill trail leading to Shell Ridge Mound. We paused to notice a large gumbo limbo tree posing next to a strangler fig that displayed an impressive intertwining body and root system. Shell fragments were present on the ground surface underneath. Also, through the nearby brush, we noted what looked like a sloping ridge, offering an overhead glimpse of the bay.
A large strangler fig completely engulfing a gumbo limbo tree on location near Bay.
Archaeological reports on Shell Ridge Mound assessed that the site is actually a westward continuation of the “Chapel” Shell Mound. Onsite displays indicated that the mound rises about 18 feet above sea level at its highest point; it extends nearly a quarter mile along the shore; and it may have been used as a platform for the Chief’s abode or ceremonial temple. Some researchers acknowledge uncertainty when it comes to assigning cultures to the people who inhabited the area and built these mounds.
Upon reaching the mound, we observed that it was quite impressive and steep. We were surprised by the large amount of shells, shell fragments, roots, and other materials visible in the earth through open areas between the mound and the museum structure built inside the mound. Various shells were also seen on the elevated terrain nearby that was encompassed by trees and vegetation, including some cactus plants that resemble prickly pear which grow in rocky or sandy areas and have thick segmented pads and spiny stems. It is said that Indigenous people used prickly pear for vast spans of time, eating the fruit, pads, buds and flowers; using the pulp and juice therapeutically to treat wounds, burns, and other ailments. Today, the prickly pear cactus remains important as a popular food source, for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, and a valued industry for Mexico and other countries.
Stepping through the museum doors, we were exposed to an exhibition entitled “Window to the Past” which displayed information, photographs, examples of recovered items, and interesting guidelines on how to make ropes, cords and nets using fibers of different plants, like cabbage palms, saw palmetto and dried moss. A view and explanation of various layers of materials forming the mound wall that was presented behind a glass frame. Since we visit many mounds on our Journeys of Appreciation, we instinctively respect the sacredness of Indigenous structures and express heartfelt gratitude to the Ancestors who built them. Peace.
Inside view of Aboriginal, American shell mound wall “Spanish Point Osprey, Florida “.
Back on the trail heading to the exit, we took the scenic route that featured a sacred mound graced by lovely palm trees; a sunken garden surrounded by shell lined pathways adorned by gumbo limbo, saw palmetto and other trees; colorful flowers displayed on several beautiful firecracker plants with their downward hanging branches that feature small tubular red-orange flowers at the tips; and an amazing old tree, with bark favoring cedar, which seemed to enjoy its prominent position overlooking the bay.
Large cedar tree on top of Ancient Aboriginal mound overlooking the peaceful Bay.
Amid nearby greenery, we were captivated by the beauty of a single scarlet hibiscus or scarlet rose mallow in full bloom, which is said to be one of the largest and most beautiful flowers in North America. This spectacular flower displays five crimson red petals divided by light green pointed leaves palmately (like fingers on a hand). Reportedly, this plant occurs naturally in swamps, marshes and ditches in this region. We were especially delighted to learn that in addition to attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, the plant flowers and leaflets have culinary uses in fresh salads and the buds have therapeutic properties to treat burns, wounds, and many internal conditions.
Native Scarlet Hibiscus flower in full bloom, amid various greenery in wet soil near Gulf of Mexico.
In a marshy setting with various plants like ferns and coontie, we observed a bright green coating on water surrounding the area and identified it as duckweed, which are small aquatic plants that grow on still waters of ponds and lakes. Said to be one of the fastest reproducing plants in the world, duckweed can double in size in about two days depending on the environment. Because of this trait, duckweed is considered a menace by some, yet many others are exploiting its beneficial purposes that include: filtering water, mosquito control, algae growth prevention, animal feed, and food production for humans.
Abundant, green duck weed completely covers pond water near Aboriginal Mounds.
While traveling to the next destination, we discussed significant events of the day and expressed thankfulness for the experiential knowledge gained.
We appreciate every opportunity to share our journeys and encourage you to create memories of your own by experiencing this site.